Jefferson County eyeing $21 million in capital projects

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - The Jefferson County Commission is considering about $21 million worth of building projects and one commissioner believes his colleagues need to start saving for them.

Included in the list are a new judicial center that will cost about $14 million, a swimming pool for $3.9 million and a parking garage that will cost about $3 million.

A new judicial center is needed for growing court operations and a parking garage is needed to provide parking for jury members and court workers, Commissioner Greg Corliss said.

County officials have talked about building an indoor swimming pool at Sam Michaels Park north of Charles Town to help meet the recreation needs of the county.

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The costs of the projects were presented to the commissioners last Thursday by Kirk Davis, capital projects manager. Corliss said the report was given so the commissioners could start budgeting for the projects.

"We haven't saved any money in the last two years at all," Corliss said Sunday.

Corliss said it appears the commissioners have $12 million to $14 million in savings. To get the remaining money for the projects, the commissioners probably will have to borrow it, said Corliss, adding that he thinks the commissioners should start saving money now for the work.

Commissioner Dale Manuel said Thursday he did not recall a parking garage being put on the project list.

County officials have talked about building a judicial annex behind the Jefferson County Courthouse at the intersection of George and Washington streets.

Davis said the annex would measure about 45,000 square feet and would have room for expansion.